Somalia Pledges Stronger Maritime Security and Blue Economy Reforms at Global Ocean Conference

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOMBASA: Somalia has pledged to strengthen maritime security, combat illegal fishing and expand investment in its blue economy, Deputy Prime Minister Saalah Ahmed Jama said on Wednesday at a major international conference focused on ocean conservation and sustainable development.

Addressing delegates at the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11) in the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa, Jama said Somalia’s coastline and marine resources remain central to the country’s economic future and long-term development.

“The ocean is the backbone of Somalia’s economy and future prosperity,” he said, emphasizing the need for stronger international cooperation to protect marine ecosystems while unlocking economic opportunities for coastal communities.

Jama announced a series of commitments by the Federal Government of Somalia aimed at enhancing maritime security, tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, protecting coastal environments and attracting international investment to support the growth of the country’s blue economy.

The pledges come as Somalia seeks to harness the potential of Africa’s longest mainland coastline, stretching more than 3,300 kilometres along the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden. Successive governments have identified fisheries, maritime trade, renewable energy and coastal tourism as key sectors capable of driving economic growth and creating jobs.

Illegal fishing by foreign vessels has long been a source of concern for Somali authorities and coastal communities, who say unregulated exploitation of marine resources undermines livelihoods and deprives the country of much-needed revenue.

International partners have in recent years increased support for Somalia’s efforts to improve maritime governance and strengthen surveillance of its territorial waters.

The conference is taking place amid growing global attention on the sustainable use of ocean resources, climate resilience and marine conservation. For countries across the Western Indian Ocean region, including Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania, the blue economy is increasingly viewed as a critical pillar of economic development and environmental sustainability.

Somalia’s participation at the conference also reflects broader efforts by the federal government to attract foreign investment and deepen regional cooperation on maritime security, environmental protection and sustainable fisheries management.

The Our Ocean Conference brings together governments, international organizations, researchers and private-sector leaders to mobilize commitments aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and advancing sustainable ocean-based economies worldwide.